When people think of over-the-air TV station, they probably picture the typical culprits (CBS, FOX, NBC, PBS), but did you know that there are subchannels? I know, I know, this sounds like crazy talk and a lot of effort, but that’s really not the case. In 2016 alone, 130 new over-the-air stations launched across the United States.
How do you get them? If you’re still tied down by cable or satellite, you are missing out on these channels. You can only access them with a TV antenna. Then, when you scan from channels, you’ll see that you have more than just 2, 4, 5…etc., you have 2.1, 2.2., 2.3, 4.1, 4.2, 5.1, 5.2, 5.3… and so on and so forth. Hidden stations, just waiting for you to discover them!
So what are these subchannels? To be honest, some of them are hits and some of them are misses (I don’t think we really need that many home shopping channels), but you can find some real gems. Be sure to scan for new stations that might pop up every few months or you might be missing out on these kickass shows.
Here are just a few of the magical subchannels you can get with an antenna, and only with an antenna.
GRIT:
GRIT calls themselves “Television with Backbone”. If you’re a lover of westerns, action movies, adventure TV shows and ultimate badassery. Walker, Texas Ranger, anything Clint Eastwood, Laramie, High Noon, and so much more can be found on this channel. You’ll feel even more awesome after watching a little GRIT.
BOUNCE:
BOUNCE is the first 24/7 digital multicast broadcast network created to target African Americans. It features a mix of original programming created for BOUNCE as well as classic TV shows geared toward African Americans between 25 and 54 years old. In March 2016, the premier of their new primetime soap “Saints & Sinners” took in 1.3 million viewers, making it Bounce TV’s most-watched program to date.
GETTV:
This channel features a mix of classic television programs and feature films, primarily movies prior to 1980 and made-for-TV movies. Some of the popular shows you’ll find here are the Merv Griffin Show, In the Heat of the Night, The Jeff Foxworthy Show, The Bill Engvall Show, The Ghost & Mrs. Muir and much more.
ThisTV:
“This is Your Movie Network, It Doesn’t Get Any Better Than This”. That’s a strong slogan, but we have to agree. This channel focuses on movies and broadcasts 24 hours a day, meaning no matter what you’re doing, you can watch an excellent movie. The film roster doesn’t focus on any specific genres, they dabble in a little bit of everything, meaning you’re in for a treat every time you turn on ThisTV.
COMET:
This is the sci-fi lovers dream channel. COMET focuses on science fiction, supernatural, horror, adventure and fantasy movies and TV shows. You’ll find movies like the Poltergeist, and TV shows such as Dead Like Me, Jeremiah, Johnny Sokko and his Flying Robot, Mystery Science Theater 3000 and The Outer Limits.
COZI TV:
This is a hot channel for your favorite classic TV shows including Columbo, Frasier, Little House on the Prairie, Quincy M.E., Baywatch, The Dick Van Dyke Show, Knight Rider, The Munsters and Starsky & Hutch. You’ll find yourself sitting in front of the TV for hours reliving memories while watching these classics. “Watch Comet and Space Out”.
Antenna TV:
“TV How It Was Meant to Be!”
As strong supporters of Free TV, this is how we think TV should be! You’ll find some of your favorite old TV shows such as: Bewitched, I Dream of Jeanie, Family Ties, The Jeffersons, All in the Family. They have some exciting shows coming in 2017 including: Becker, Head of the Class, Alice, Growing Pains and My Two Dads.
Escape:
Escape is the sister station to GRIT. This network is targeted at women between 25-54 years old, featuring films the likes of Lifetime and Oxygen, true crime documentaries and a focus on crime drama and mystery genres. “Slip Away” with Escape. Sounds like a nice evening, right?
Now this is just a small sampling of the networks you can get with a TV antenna. To see what is available in your area, be sure to check out our Digital TV Station List HERE and you’ll be blown away.